Nintendo DS owners who also have an internet-connected Wii can download demos of upcoming DS games through the Nintendo Channel. Although recent ‘updates’ to the Channel have been somewhat disappointing (switching old demos within weeks isn’t really updating), we finally have a good reason to use the service. You can now get your hands on a demo of Arkanoid DS, complete with five levels, three difficulty settings, stylus or button controls, neat music, and an overall satisfying experience. We had a lot of fun with it, and we suggest that lucky Wii and DS owners go and download it immediately.

If the demo can be this fun, there seems to be no reason to skip the game’s release next week, especially with its tempting $20 price tag. Still on the fence? Worry not; PVG will review the title and give you all the skinny on it next week. Also look for an extensive round-up of every ball-bouncing, brick-breaking game currently available for the DS, to celebrate the release.

The great thing about multi-platform releases is that gamers have the option of playing a game on one of many possible systems. The difficulty is choosing which system to get a blockbuster game for. We faced this problem with the recently released LEGO Indiana Jones, which is available for both the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, as well as every current home console. Unable to decide between the two portable options, we decided to get both — and report back here on which version we liked best. It is difficult to choose a clear winner, because both handheld consoles handle the game well, and each version has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. If you are still on the fence about which one to buy, read on for the specific details and our verdict on each release.

The DS Version

Players who opt for the DS version are in for a slightly different gameplay experience. Unlike the console and PSP versions, Lego Indiana Jones on the DS makes a few sacrifices in image quality and level size, but brings new features to the table. At many points in the game, players must use the “wind” feature of the microphone to activate certain platforms and puzzles. DS owners with friends can still play in cooperative multiplayer mode over local wifi. The DS version also features touch functionality, although this is somewhat unnecessary and redundant since the same input can be achieved by pressing one of the face buttons. The DS version also predictably adds some touch-screen minigames not found on any other system.

Graphically, the game can not compare to the PSP and console versions, but it delivers a strong performance nonetheless: levels are filled with colorful textures and player characters are clearly distinguishable, even on the small screen. The framerate is also noticeably better than last year’s Lego Star Wars. The only really substantial difference is that the DS version cuts back the total number of levels in the game, leaving out some of the content found on other systems, while still retaining the overall spirit and fun of the franchise.

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Oh yes; June is here, the summer starts, and the controversial Guitar Hero: On Tour will rock your DS, or fail trying. Will players dig the concept? Is the lack of a fifth fret really all that important? We shall find out soon. As big as GH:OT is, though, there are other note-worthy DS releases for this month, from classic revivals to hardcore strategy / RPG blends. Take a gander at these DS titles set to ship this June:

Summon Night: Twin Age – June 3: Previously delayed and now shipping on June, this action / RPG hybrid features two playable characters and a decent-length quest full of dungeons to crawl through and a clean real-time, action-based battle system. Explore the world, level up, trade items; good stuff here.

Looney Tunes: Cartoon Conductor – June 10: Don’t be so quick to dismiss this one; although not much is known, this title apparently plays just like Elite Beat Agents, a favorite among rhythm DS gamers. Expect a review soon after the game’s release, for good or bad.

Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles – June 10: Solve three deep, intriguing cases full of murders, love and betrayal in this point-and-click adventure, a genre that suits the DS perfectly. Although initial reactions haven’t been all that positive, the game’s $20 price tag is a nice attraction.

Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard – June 17: The second installment to a fantastic, old-school RPG / dungeon crawler of yesteryear, with new character jobs, improved boss fights, and other tweaks here and there to make a good game even better. Will PVG review this game? You bet!

Arkanoid DS & Space Invaders Extreme – June 17: Two titles, two timeless classics revived on DS, complete with touch screen controls, attractive new visuals and audio, boss fights, and DS Paddle support. Unfortunately, US copies of Arkanoid DS won’t include said paddle; you can import one, or wait for a possible third-party substitute to become available.

Guitar Hero: On Tour – June 22: 25 songs, an interesting peripheral, and the concept of Guitar Hero on your DS; talk about surprising. Many have wondered just how well this game will do, considering the limitations of the system and the fact that you’re not using a real guitar controller. Worry not; PVG will have an in-depth review soon after the title’s release.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift – June 24: A pseudo-sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, a series that takes a light-hearted approach to standard FF Tactics series, while retaining its hardcore RTS elements. Once again set in Ivalice, this whimsical adventure features all you loved of the GBA title—many character classes, an artsy look, and the Law System—plus more.

Trauma Center: Under The Knife 2 – June 24?: A question mark? Well, you see, although the ‘official’ release is July 1st, a rumor floating around suggests a release date drawback of one week. Either way, you will soon follow up to one of the most beloved (and challenging) DS titles that lets you play doctor, in a good way. Join Derek Styles and Angie Thompson as they deal with the after-effects of the deadly GUILT virus of the first UTK title, complete with new operations, tools, and patients to save.

Talk about a jam-packed month! And take a look at all the DS titles with colons in the title; this is quite a trend, isn’t it?

We have some sweet, sweet DS mews to report. After a Nintendo business meeting in Japan, a good amount of new titles and releases were divulged. First of all, Fire Emblem DS, an enhanced remake of the first FE game way back in the NES days, will see Japanese release on August 7. That’s good, but here’s the true ‘sweetness’; a new Densetsu no Stafi game is in the works for the DS, as well as another Rhythm Tengoku. The first is a popular 2D platformer to the likes of Mario, and is quite a popular franchise in the Land of the Rising Sun; the rest of the world, however, hasn’t seen much of the little chubby yellow star, except from a relatively useless appearance in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The latter, Rhythm Tengoku, was a cult classic import titles for the GBA; one of the system’s last gems, really, with addictive rhythm-based gameplay with a twist, from the developers of the WarioWare titles. Although there are no specific details to report on either of the newly announced games, we should be able to get more info soon, seeing how both titles are set to storm Japanese DS systems this July.

So now we have three titles from franchises that have yet to see the light in American soil; Densetsu no Stafi, Rhythm Tengoku, and Daigasso! Band Brothers. This would be a great time for Nintendo of America to make it up to us and bring these games over for a change. We will continue to gather relevant info and pass it on to you as soon as we can get it.

Thanks: [NeoGAF]

After its announcement in February, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood has rapidly become one of the most hotly anticipated upcoming titles for the Nintendo DS. The intriguing combination of an 8-bit mega-franchise with Bioware’s uniquely Western perspective on the RPG genre seemed like a sure bet for success. Early scans showed off some incredible hand-painted artwork and characters, and all seemed right in the world.

That is, until game sites started to be granted sneak peaks of the game in development earlier this month. Although previews are usually upbeat and positive, we couldn’t help but get the feeling that some journalists were underwhelmed by what they saw in this early build. For example, IGN writer Mark Bozon took issue with the game’s lack of complexity and overly repetitive battle sequences:

“The game has its charming aspects, such as classic SEGA sound effects and well done 2D level backdrops, but the overall gameplay could still use some serious work. Battles are extremely repetitive, in-level puzzling is as basic as can be, and so far we haven’t seen anything that really pushes the RPG genre at all on DS, which we certainly expect from a company like Bioware. We’ll have to sit down and get comfy with the final version before making any further comments, but as it stands right now the game could use a bit of a kick in the pants… ”

Our friends over at Go Nintendo enjoyed the dialog and story elements in the version that they saw, but pretty much agreed with negative assessments elsewhere:

“To be frank, I was really bummed after my time with Sonic Chronicles. I was really hoping that the title would show some promise of bringing Sonic to a new genre in style. I can see what Bioware is trying to do, I just don’t know if they will be able to pull it together. This game needs a lot more dev time if it’s to turn out good. The story elements will be there…that’s already clear. It is every other aspect of the game that needs more than fine-tuning…”

Uh oh. From the sounds of it, Bioware had better step up their game if they hope to make a good impression on Sonic fans when the game drops this September. There is obviously a lot riding on this, as it marks the blue hedgehog’s first foray into RPG territory, as well as Bioware’s first contribution to the DS game library. We’ll have more previews as details emerge.

Lucky Europe; not only do they have a sexy silver DS Lite, now they’re getting three more colors, including the extravagantly cool green model you see to the side. On sale on June 13th, new green and red DS Lites, as well as the Ice Blue model previously exclusive to Japan, will hit European retailers, bringing the European ‘DS Rainbow’ to six flavors, pictured below.



No word on a US release for any model, but we can only hope. Keep in mind that if you decide to import a DS Lite from Europe, you will need a special, multi-volt charger or adapter to charge up your battery.

In other ‘colorful’ DS news, Nintendo of America has officially announced the Metallic Rose model, previously available as a bundle with a Nintendog paw print on top. Priced at the standard $129.99, this color will be available on late May.

Thanks: [GoNintendo]

Arkanoid was a smash hit for Japanese company Taito when it arrived in the arcades in 1986. Like the classic Atari game Breakout that preceded it, the purpose of Arkanoid was to break through progressively tougher levels of colored bricks using a ball that could be aimed with a paddle on the lower part of the screen. The upright cabinet featured a distinctive “spinner” input, which made control of the player’s paddle much more intuitive than a standard joystick. There have been many console and PC ports of the game over the years, attesting the popularity and infectious fun of the simple but addictive game. The NES port of Arkanoid originally shipped with a special controller that mimicked the wheel in the arcade version, and this special release of the game is widely sought by collectors specifically for the controller.

Perhaps because of the input limitations of portable consoles, there has never been an official portable release of the game by Taito — until now. Square Enix have signed up to distribute this game as well as an updated version of the classic Space Invaders on the Nintendo DS. The game is expected to be released in North America this June and in Europe one month later. Early previews of the title have praised the included paddle controller (pictured) for its accuracy, as well as the game’s bouncy, updated soundtrack. From the look of the latest screenshots below, the game will nicely reproduce the feeling of the classic arcade title on the Nintendo handheld.

New screenshots added May 21, 2008:

We have already covered some of the new characters that will be available to players in Etrian Odyssey II, namely the Scout, Gunner and Pet. In anticipation of the launch of Etrian Odyssey II in June, we bring you some updated information on more character classes featured in the game.

Dark Hunter
Dark hunters were somewhat underused in the original game, proving somewhat weak against stronger foes and only slightly more useful than the poor Troubador in terms of party support. The Dark Hunters of High Lagaard are similar to those found in Etria; they can still work with either whip or sword to focus on bindings or status ailments, but they now come with some great new abilities. The key difference comes in their ability to set potentially deadly traps: in High Lagaard, dark hunters can react to either physical or magical attacks, no matter what weapon they use. With its new force skill, Bondage, the Dark Hunter will be capable of using every binding technique at its disposal to bind a single enemy’s head, arms, and legs, rendering it completely defenseless.

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UK publisher Lexicon Entertainment today announced a new line-up of brain training games for the DS. This series of five games will offer bite-sized and entertaining quizzes on a variety of topics and will be priced at an attractive $9.99. DS owners will be able to brush up on their knowledge of Geography, Movies, History, and Football (Soccer for us Americans) in these games, making them unique in the crowded brain training space for their treatment of pop cultural trivia. The fifth title in the series will be called “Super Brain Tease”, which we only imagine will demand an ungodly amount of knowledge in every subject imaginable. If we can get our hands on an import copy of one of these, we will be sure and bring you our impressions. In the mean time, let us know what you think about the brain training phenomenon in general in the comments below. Do you own or enjoy these types of games?

April NPD numbers are in, giving us both hardware and software sales data for all consoles and handhelds. On one hand, the Nintendo DS came in second (we don’t need to tell you which family-oriented console took 1st, do we?). The DS sold roughly 415 thousand units, but suffered a considerable fall compared to the 698 thousand systems sold during March. The PSP did its part, too, claiming 3rd spot and selling 193 thousand units, although suffering a drop of about 104 thousand systems from the previous month. The PSP outsold the Xbox 360, PS3, and PS2, and overall hardware sales dropped considerably. On the software department, only two handheld games made it to the top ten; Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time / Darkness, claiming spots 7 and 8 with 202,000 copies sold each. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and God of War: Chains of Olympus didn’t manage to stay on the software list during April; and where’s Patapon?

As of writing, worldwide DS and PSP sales are:

Nintendo DS: 72 million

Sony PSP: 34 million

As a side note, I’m glad to say that I contributed to PSP hardware sales this past April, with my sleek and shiny Piano Black PSP Slim.

Thanks: [PSP Fanboy]